JAMMU, Jan 8: Governor N N Vohra Monday reiterated that the government “must protect state’s youth and students from the vortex of violence which regrettably it had failed to do so for whatever reasons including those beyond its control and thus leading to frequent disruption of studies, academic schedules.”

He also minced no words in nudging the government to “recall its responsibilities to break the administrative inertia and make system to deliver, work for people in a transparent, accountable manner with serious commitment as late Mufti Mohammed Sayeed had envisioned and performed.”

Vohra was addressing the illustrious gathering on the occasion of Mufti Mohammed Sayeed Commemoration Day at General Zorawar Singh auditorium here today.

Vohra, who chaired “The First Mufti Memorial Lecture”, in his presidential remarks, stated that the state suffered on varied counts because of domestic and external factors which had been detrimental to its (J&K’s) progress and development. “We should firmly resolve to negate these factors and work collectively towards achieving our goals,” he said.

Governor observed, “All governments need to work dutifully, in a transparent and accountable manner, and achieve their goals in an equitable and inclusive manner.” Expressing concern over frequent disruption in academic schedules due to vortex of violence, he stressed the need for maximum care being devoted to promoting the interests of youth and not allow disruptions in their study and examination schedules, which would hamper their careers.

He also cautioned that slackness on the part of the administrative machinery would adversely affect the efforts to ameliorate a lot of the disadvantaged sections of the society.

Paying tributes to Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on his second death anniversary, Governor recalled his long association with the former since Mufti took over as Union Home Minister. He described him as a man who was entirely devoted to advancing the welfare of his people and development of the state.

Citing some episodes during Governor’s frequent interactions with Mufti when he was Chief Minister of J&K, Governor observed that one of his convictions was his yearning for advancing public good and his sustained and uncommon eagerness to closely follow up on the implementation of development works.

Governor also presented National Award on “Probity in Politics & Public Life” to Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar. Congratulating Nitish Kumar on being conferred with this Award, Governor observed that the former’s dedication and commitment towards his people ushered Bihar in an era of progress and development. He wished him success in all his endeavors aimed to revolutionize the developmental scenario of Bihar.

Governor thanked Lord Meghnad for his lucid lecture about the manner Britain has dealt with the devolution of powers in regard to Ireland and Scotland.

The welcome address was given by Choudhary Zulfkar Ali, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs who spoke about Mufti Sayeed’s Personality and Politics while Haseeb Drabu, Minister for Finance gave a vote of thanks.

JAMMU, Jan 8: Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today asserted that her government was committed to the welfare and upliftment of marginalised sections of society particularly labourers, landless and those working in the unorganised sector.
Addressing a gathering on the launch of Muhafiz, a major welfare initiative for the social security net of around three lakh workers of the unorganised sector in the state, the Chief Minister said there was an urgent need to improve the quality of life of peopl